Commit to Memory: “…We would give ourselves continually… to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)

The greatness of man stems from the premium he places on the word of God. The word of God is a ministry every believer has been called to embrace. For this reason, the Apostles thought it wise and needful to give attention to it as a ministry. They said we will give ourselves to the ministry of the word. God wants us to take it to heart more seriously than ever before but then, why did the Apostles make this statement?

Several complaints had cropped up in certain quarters that certain people were not adequately catered for, ranging from widows, orphans, less privileged, the needy etc. So they were telling the Apostles, let’s begin to share food equally but the disciples had wisdom. They said no, it is not that we would leave the ministry of prayer and the word abandoned to go and serve tables. No! not at all.

There is a ministry of the word, it means to sit down and read, study, meditate, listen and reflect on your Bible. Beyond study is to meditate and beyond meditating is to implement. It is a ministry all believers are called into and thank God the Apostles realized this. They thought it wise that if they leave the ministry of the word to serve tables, the great commission will go nowhere. This must be your one desire and number one concentration, to seek and know the Lord through His word. No wonder the early Christians prospered to the extent that despite Satan and the Roman Empire’s severe persecution against the early church, it grew amazingly beyond proportion and human comprehension because the Apostles paid attention to the word of God.

Reflection: If you so desire consecration, then you must give maximum concentration to the word of God.

Prayer Lines: Father, now and always, let my soul find pleasure and delight in studying Your word.